Cathy Gruenhagen
Albany
Summary
Results-driven Sr. Project Manager with expertise in project planning, client relationship management, and cost control. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
Experienced with project lifecycle management, including initiation, planning, execution, and closure. Utilizes effective communication and leadership skills to guide teams and stakeholders. Track record of applying strategic thinking and risk assessment to achieve project goals efficiently.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Project Manager
State of Oregon - Department of Justice
Salem, OR
01.2007 - 12.2025
- Led cross-functional teams to execute complex legal projects, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
- Developed project plans and schedules, optimizing resource allocation and timelines for successful outcomes.
- Mentored junior project managers, fostering skill development and enhancing team performance through collaborative training.
- Implemented risk management strategies, identifying potential issues and mitigating impacts on project deliverables.
- Coordinated stakeholder communications, ensuring alignment on project goals and timely updates throughout project lifecycles.
- Oversaw budget management processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility while achieving strategic objectives in project execution.
- Maintained schedules to meet key milestones at every project phase.
- Directed changes to project scope and cost and implemented appropriate change management processes to keep project on track.
- Presented regular status reports to executive leadership, providing insights into progress made toward achieving key milestones.
- Mentored junior project managers and team members to enhance their skills and career growth.
- Adapted quickly to unexpected challenges or obstacles encountered during project execution, devising creative solutions without compromising objectives.
- Communicated project plans and progress to key stakeholders and project contributors.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing favorable terms for the organization''s benefit.
- Developed and maintained project budgets to control costs and meet organizational and project goals.
- Led cross-functional teams for successful project delivery within scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and implemented corrective measures to acquire success.
- Managed budgets exceeding $1 million while effectively controlling costs through diligent financial oversight.
- Nurtured strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, building trust and credibility that facilitated smooth collaboration on shared goals.
- Improved stakeholder communication by establishing regular update meetings and clear reporting channels, resulting in increased trust and partnership.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
Staff Services Manager
County of Napa - Permits & Conservation Division
Napa, CA
02.2002 - 06.2006
- Oversaw budget management and resource allocation for departmental projects.
- Analyzed data trends to inform policy adjustments and operational improvements.
- Fostered stakeholder relationships to facilitate collaboration on conservation efforts.
- Spearheaded technology integration for enhanced tracking of permit applications and approvals.
- Performed budget management to review estimated with actual results and set realistic targets.
- Kept track of all cost associated with building permits
- Kept track of all permit cost and balanced and deposited all funds.
Item Processing Manager
Travis Credit Union
Vacaville, CA
03.1995 - 03.2002
- Streamlined processing workflows to enhance operational efficiency and reduce turnaround times.
- Led team initiatives to implement new systems, resulting in improved accuracy and compliance.
- Mentored staff on best practices in transaction processing and customer service standards.
- Developed training materials for onboarding new employees, fostering a knowledgeable workforce.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize resource allocation and workflow management.
- Implemented quality control measures that significantly reduced errors in processing transactions.
- Promoted safe working practices to maintain compliance with established policies and procedures.
- Mentored departmental team, boosting efficiency, success and morale among employees.
- Reduced processing errors, ensuring thorough quality control checks at every stage of the process.
- Managed budgetary constraints, optimizing costs while maintaining high-quality output standards.
- Cultivated positive working relationships among team members by promoting open lines of communication throughout the department.
- Checked payroll, vendor payments, commissions and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
- Supported financial director with special projects and additional job duties.
- Balanced all funds deposited each day with the credit union and the Federal Reserve
- Processed all checks through an NCR proof machine
Education
No Degree -
Napa Valley College
Napa, CAHigh School Diploma -
Napa High School
Napa, CA06-1976
Banking And Credit Union Management
Pomona Business College
Pomona, CASkills
- Project planning
- Scope management
- Client relationship management
- Project plan development
- Project scheduling
- Cross-functional communication
- Client relations
- Meeting facilitation
- Schedule coordination
- Cost control
- Requirements gathering
- Documentation management
- Multi-project management
- Site plan creation
- Project goals and milestones
- Project management
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Budget control
- Multitasking Abilities
- Customer service
Timeline
Sr. Project Manager
State of Oregon - Department of Justice
01.2007 - 12.2025
Staff Services Manager
County of Napa - Permits & Conservation Division
02.2002 - 06.2006
Item Processing Manager
Travis Credit Union
03.1995 - 03.2002
No Degree -
Napa Valley College
High School Diploma -
Napa High School
Banking And Credit Union Management
Pomona Business College